What To Do When A Death Occurs

What To Do When Death Occurs

Through difficult moments and the days after loss, we’re here to help.

Your mind is spinning in a million different directions right now. That’s why we want to make it easy for you by answering your questions, making the process as simple and straightforward as possible, and educating you on what needs to be done in these situations.

Remember, you are never alone. You can always reach out with questions at any time.

1. Notify the right people

Is the deceased at home or work, or are they under supervised care?

At home or work:

Call emergency personnel or their physician

Call the police if no one was there at the time of death

Call the funeral home then the cemetery

Please remember, you can always call us at Trinity Memorial Gardens if you are unsure.

Under supervised care:

Call the funeral home

Call the cemetery

The staff will notify the rest of the necessary personnel and funeral home on your behalf.

2. Widen the circle

Begin discussing arrangements with the funeral home

Notify other family members

Contact any clergy or other spiritual advisers

3. Answer any key questions about arrangements

Was there a pre-plan in place? If so, your loved one has taken care of all the details and just wishes for you to celebrate their life. If the death is more sudden or a plan is not in place, don’t worry, there are just a few key steps for you to take care of:

Determine after-life choices

Do you need embalming?

Do you need a casket?

Do you need to make cemetery arrangements?

Choose the type of service

Do you need a minister or other clergy member?

What type of service do you want to have?

Contact the cemetery for help

Please remember you don’t need to know all the answers - that’s why we’re here, to walk you through anything at all, at any time.

4. Talk to the cemetery

We will walk you through any choices that need to be made and will let you know what you need to bring with you.